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🌱 Steve Buscemi Gets NYC Key | Daily Digest

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Covid Tests, city keys, good signs and bad banners. Here's the latest from New York City.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan to amp up COVID-19 testing in city schools with 2 million at-home tests for kids whose classmates have contracted the virus and double the number of in-school tests. But critics, including City Council Education Chair Mark Treyger, worry the tests are too little and come too late. NYC Doubles In-School COVID Testing For Kids

But de Blasio, who has faced much criticism over his eight years as New York City's Hizzoner, got quite the compliment during his Tuesday press briefing from the acclaimed actor and the "fellow kid" of Park Slope, Steve Buscemi, who said of the mayor's acting skills, "You know, you're a natural!" Steve Buscemi Awarded Key To The City From Mayor

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

As the mayor got a good sign he should launch an acting career, an Upper East Side developer got a bad message from the city: No sign for you! This message came in the form of a $25,000 fine for a massive banner of Jerry Seinfeld that went up last year. Giant Seinfeld Banner On UES Tower Lands Owner $25K Fine

First, today's weather:

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Cloudy. High: 46 Low: 43.

What We're Reading:

  1. Apple temporarily closed stores across New York City as the omicron variant continued its rampant spread. (New York City Patch.)
  2. Omicron cases also spurred flight delays and cancelations across the nation, including about 150 in New York City area airports. (Queens Patch.)
  3. Did crime go up in Harlem this year? It's complicated. (Harlem Patch.)
  4. Vaccinated city workers who say they’re not notified when a colleague tests positive for COVID-19 are pleading with the mayor to work remotely. (THE CITY.)

Today's New York City Daily is brought to you in part by GoodRx, a Patch Brand Partner. While the promise of a return to pre-pandemic life is encouraging, many New Yorkers are experiencing anxiety and fear about returning to the office. Here are some ways to combat those fears and create a more comfortable in-office work experience.

Today in New York City:

  • Free Improv Comedy Workshop For Beginners (9:00 AM)
  • Blind Contour Sketches (6:00 PM)
  • Chris Botti (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • New York Jets: "Our photographers’ favorites 📸" (Instagram)
  • New York City Fire Department (FDNY): "FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced the death of Lieutenant Joseph Maiello. Lt Maiello, 53, a 22-year veteran of the Department, was discovered unconscious and pronounced dead while on-duty at his firehouse, Engine 163 and ..." (Facebook)
  • Central Park: "Across the Park’s 843 acres, you can find sprawling landscapes, expansive arches and bridges, grand works of art, towering trees, and much more. But what about the little —and sometimes overlooked—details that make Central Park special? ..." (Instagram)
  • NYCgo: "#NYCgoRecap2021: This week we'll be taking a look back and highlighting some of the year's best NYCgo content. In January, we launched #TheBlackExperienceInNYC, a travel hub on our website that spotlights, celebrates, and amplifies New Y..." (Instagram)
  • New York City Department of Education: "🆕 UPDATE: As we look ahead to the New Year, our highest priority is to continue to ensure the health and safety of our students, families, and staff. We are putting additional health and safety measures in place to ensure students and s..." (Facebook)

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Events:

  • The Williamsburg Hotel New Years Weekend Thursday party 2022 (December 30)
  • Mister East NJ New Years Eve 2022 (December 31)
  • Casa 51 NYC 5 Hour Openbar & Buffet NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Stitch NYC New Year's Eve Singles Openbar Party 2022 (December 31)
  • Playwright Bar & Lounge 40s & Over New Years Eve Party 2022 (December 31)
  • Ravel Penthouse 808 New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Harbor NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • 42 D'or formerly Playboy Club NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • The Ugly Duckling NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Ariana's South NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • New Years Eve at Doha Bar Lounge in Queens, NYC (December 31)
  • Ammos Estiatorio NYC New Years Eve party 2022 (December 31)
  • Libertador NYC New Year's Eve NYE Party 2022 (December 31)
  • The Harrison Time Square NYC New Years Eve Party 2022 (December 31)
  • Big City Tavern formerly Roxy Diner Time Square NYC New Years Eve Party 2022 (December 31)
  • Brooklyn Billiards NYE 3 Hour Openbar, Food & Pool 2022 (December 31)
  • The Billiard Company New Years Eve 2022 (December 31)
  • Doha Nightclub New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Doha Nightclub New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Blue Midtown NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • The Late Late NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Elite Williamsburg NYC New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • The Beach House LI Long Beach New Years Eve 2022 (December 31)
  • Rosewood Theater New Years Eve NYE 2022 (December 31)
  • Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! (December 31)
  • Don Miguelo live at El Ambiente NY New Years Eve 2022 (December 31)
  • The Williamsburg Hotel New Years Day Saturday party 2022 (January 1)
  • Success Academy Presents, How to Get into Kindergarten with Alina Adams (January 6)
  • New Year Real Estate Night Class (January 10)
  • Add your event

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Kathleen Culliton

About me: Kathleen Culliton covers all things New York City and can be found reporting from the bowels of the city's subways, the heights of 1 Police Plaza and anywhere in between. She came to Patch after years with DNAinfo New York and the New York Post, where she covered breaking news. Her radio feature about an Olympic bobsled team hopeful earned an award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Kathleen is proud to be a life-long Brooklynite. Most of her selfies are accidental.

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